Evening NEWS
DIGEST (Early)
22
Aug. 2017: 29 Zulqidah 1438:Vol:8, No:262
In 3-2 verdict, SC strikes
down instant triple talaq
New Delhi: In a 3-2
verdict, the Supreme Court Tuesday “set aside” the centuries-old practice of
instant triple talaq or talaq-e-biddat in which Muslim men divorce their wives
by uttering talaq three times in quick succession. Three of the five judges on
the Constitution Bench — Justices Rohinton F Nariman, Uday U Lalit and Kurian
Joseph — called the practice un-Islamic and “arbitrary” and disagreed with the
view that triple talaq was an integral part of religious practice. But the
minority ruling of Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice S Abdul Nazeer
underlined the primacy of Muslim personal law and said the practice enjoyed constitutional
protection and was beyond the scope of judicial scrutiny. They were of the view
that Parliament should consider an “appropriate” law to deal with the issue of
talaq-e-biddat.Justice Joseph, who disagreed that triple talaq had
constitutional protection, reiterated the Shamim Ara ruling in which it was
held that triple talaq lacked legal sanctity: “What is held to be bad in the
Holy Quran cannot be good in Shariat and, in that sense, what is bad in
theology is bad in law as well.”The 395-page judgment, on a clutch of petitions
challenging the validity of instant triple talaq, comprised three separate
rulings — Chief Justice Khehar wrote for himself and Justice Nazeer, Justice
Nariman for himself and Justice Lalit while Justice Joseph came out with his
own order. The verdict was immediately welcomed by the Govt , political
parties, activists and the petitioners, with PM Narendra Modi hailing it as “historic” and
saying it has granted equality to Muslim women. indianexpress
Triple talaq has
stature equal to fundamental right:SC's Minority judgment
New Delhi :
Contending that the practice of instant triple talaq was a constituent of the
personal law and had a stature equal to other fundamental rights, the minority
judgment of the Supreme Court on Tuesday held it as not violative of the
Constitution and cannot invoke judicial intervention.However, it injuncted
Muslim husbands from practicing instant divorce as a means of severing their
matrimonial relationships for a period of 6 months subject to a legislative
process being initiated in that period for making a law on the issue.Writing
the minority judgment, Chief Justice J.S. Khehar said it would not be
appropriate for this court to record a finding whether the practice of
talaq-e-biddat is, or is not, affirmed by hadiths (Prophet's sayings) in view
of the enormous contradictions in the hadiths relied upon by the rival
parties."Talaq-e-biddat is integral to the religious denomination of
Sunnis belonging to the Hanafi school. The same is a part of their faith,
having been followed for more than 1,400 years, and as such, has to be accepted
as being constituent of their 'personal law'."He rejected "the
contention of the petitioners that the questions/subjects covered by Muslim
Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937, ceased to be 'personal law', and
got transformed into 'statutory law', cannot be
accepted"."Talaq-e-biddat does not violate the parameters expressed
in Article 25 of the Constitution. The practice is not contrary to public
order, morality and health. The practice also does not violate Articles 14, 15
and 21 of the Constitution, which are limited to State actions alone."The
practice of talaq-e-biddat being a constituent of personal law has a stature equal
to other fundamental rights, conferred in Part III of the Constitution. The
practice cannot therefore be set aside, on the ground of being violative of the
concept of the constitutional morality, through judicial intervention."The
minority judgment observed that the whole nation seems to be up in arms and
that there was seemingly an overwhelming majority of Muslim women, demanding
that the practice of talaq-e-biddat "which is sinful in theology, be
declared as impermissible in law"."Union of India has also
participated in the debate. It has adopted an aggressive posture, seeking the
invalidation of the practice by canvassing that it violates the fundamental
rights enshrined in Part III of the Constitution and by further asserting that
it even violates constitutional morality."During the course of hearing,
the issue was hotly canvassed in the media. Most of the views expressed in
erudite articles on the subject, hugely affirmed that the practice was
demeaning. Interestingly even during the course of hearing, learned counsel
appearing for the rival parties, were in agreement, and described the practice
of talaq-e-biddat differently as, unpleasant, distasteful and unsavoury. The
position adopted by others was harsher, they considered it as disgusting, loathsome
and obnoxious. Some even described it as being debased, abhorrent and
wretched."The judges said that they had arrived at the conclusion that
talaq-e-biddat is a matter of 'personal law' of Sunni Muslims belonging to the
Hanafi school."It constitutes a matter of their faith. It has been
practiced by them, for at least 1,400 years. We have examined whether the
practice satisfies the constraints provided for under Article 25 of the
Constitution, and have arrived at the conclusion, that it does not breach any
of them. We have also come to the conclusion, that the practice being a
component of 'personal law', has the protection of Article 25 of the
Constitution."The judgment said that religion is a matter of faith, and
not of logic and it was not open to a court to accept an egalitarian approach,
over a practice which constitutes an integral part of religion."The
Constitution allows the followers of every religion to follow their beliefs and
religious traditions. The Constitution assures believers of all faiths, that
their way of life, is guaranteed, and would not be subjected to any challenge,
even though they may seem to others (-and even rationalists, practicing the
same faith) unacceptable, in today's world and age. The Constitution extends
this guarantee, because faith constitutes the religious consciousness, of the
followers. It is this religious consciousness, which binds believers into
separate entities. The Constitution endeavours to protect and preserve, the
beliefs of each of the separate entities, under Article 25."We cannot
accept the petitioners' claim because the challenge raised is in respect of an
issue of 'personal law' which has constitutional protection."The judges
said it was not for a court to determine whether religious practices were prudent
or progressive or regressive."Religion and 'personal law' must be
perceived, as it is accepted, by the followers of the faith. And not, how
another would like it to be (-including self-proclaimed rationalists of the
same faith). Article 25 obliges all Constitutional Courts to protect 'personal
laws' and not to find fault therewith. Interference in matters of 'personal
law' is clearly beyond judicial examination. The judiciary must therefore,
always exercise absolute restraint, no matter how compelling and attractive the
opportunity to do societal good may seem."The judges said the stance
adopted by the Union Govt supports the
petitioners' cause and observed: "Unfortunately, the union seeks at our
hand, what truly falls in its own".Referring to the All India Muslim
Personal Law Board affidavit in which it has undertaken to issue an advisory
through its website to advise those who enter into matrimonial alliance to
agree in nikah naama that their marriage would not be dissolvable by
talaq-e-biddat, they said even the AIMPLB is on board to assuage the
petitioners' cause."In view of the position expressed above, we are
satisfied that this is a case which presents a situation where this court
should exercise its discretion to issue appropriate directions under Article
142 of the Constitution. We therefore hereby direct, the Union of India to
consider appropriate legislation, particularly with reference to
talaq-e-biddat."We hope and expect that the contemplated legislation will
also take into consideration advances in Muslim 'personal law and shariat, as
have been corrected by legislation the world over, even by theocratic Islamic
States. When the British rulers in India provided succour to Muslims by
legislation, and when remedial measures have been adopted by the Muslim world,
we find no reason, for an independent India, to lag behind. Measures have been
adopted for other religious denominations even in India, but not for the
Muslims. We would therefore implore the legislature, to bestow its thoughtful
consideration, to this issue of paramount importance. We would also beseech
different political parties to keep their individual political gains apart,
while considering the necessary measures requiring legislation.Till such time
as legislation in the matter is considered, we are satisfied in injuncting
Muslim husbands, from pronouncing 'talaq-e-biddat' as a means for severing
their matrimonial relationship. The instant injunction, shall in the first
instance, be operative for a period of six months. If the legislative process
commences before the expiry of the period of six months, and a positive
decision emerges towards redefining talaq-e-biddat as one, or alternatively, if
it is decided that the practice of 'talaq-e-biddat' be done away with
altogether, the injunction would continue, till legislation is finally enacted.
Failing which, the injunction shall cease to operate."IANS
Supreme Court Bars
Triple Talaq, Asks Parliament To Make A Law
AIMPLB says SC Triple talaq verdict ‘huge
victory’ as it protects Muslim personal law
New Delhi: All
India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), the apex body of Muslim clerics that
opposes the ban on triple talaq, welcomed Tuesday’s Supreme Court judgement
saying it “accords” protection to Muslim personal laws.The top court struck
down the controversial Islamic instant divorce law as arbitrary and
unconstitutional on Tuesday.“ We as a representative body, welcome the
judgement of Supreme Court since it accords the protection to Muslim personal
law and says that personal laws cannot be tested on the grounds of violation of
fundamental rights. The majority (comprising Chief Justice JS Khehar and
justice Abdul Nazeer with Justice Kurian Joseph agreeing) has accorded personal
laws the status of fundamental rights being protected under the right to
practice religion contained in Article 25,” the Board said in an official
statement. “This is a huge victory for us as the judgement vindicates our stand
and ensures that fundamental rights of citizens of this country to freely
practice and profess their religious beliefs,” it said.As far as talaq-e-biddat
is concerned we had already submitted to the court that the practice, though
has basis in religious texts and belief, is not the best way of pronouncing
talaq,” the board said.“We ourselves have taken steps to discourage this
practice through reform programmes and model form of Nikahnama issued by the
Board,” it said.AIMPLB had on May 22, 2017 informed the court that about
issuing instructions to clerics (who solemnise the marriage) to include the
provision of excluding the triple-talaq in one sitting (tala-e-biddat) in the
nikahnama (contract) at the time of wedding. It had also launched a signature
campaign seeking non-interference in Muslim personal law. Board said in the
morning that it will meet in Bhopal on Sept.10 to discuss the Supreme Court
verdict striking down instant triple talaq and chalk out its strategy“The SC
verdict cannot be misused by the Govt to
try to interfere with personal laws through legislation,” the statement said.
HT
AIMPLB’s women’s
wing says triple talaq judgement contradictory, fractured
The women’s wing of
the AIMPLB termed as “contradictory” and “fractured” the judgement of the
Supreme Court.Asma Zehra, the chief organiser of the women’s wing, told IANS in
Hyderabad that the judgement is confusing.She said that while they respect the
judgement, they do not appreciate interference in the Muslim personal law as
right to religious freedom is a fundamental right guaranteed under the
Constitution.She said she also believed that the legislation on the issue could
open doors for interference in the Muslim personal law.Noting that the practice
was already vanishing in the Muslim community, she said the judgement will have
very little impact on society.Zehra claimed that triple talaq does not always
work against women. “Many a time it is an exit mechanism to relieve women from
unsuccessful and troublesome marriages.”“Talaq is a non-issue and divorce rate
is the least in the Muslim community. Muslims have divorce rate of only 0.5%
whereas it is 1.64% in the Hindu community,” she said.Condemning politicisation
of the issue, she said: “The ruling party, the fringe elements and the
so-called Muslim women organisations who had initiated this media campaign and
movement against triple talaq couldn’t get much out of the judgement.”According
to her, the first part of the judgement is in favour and supportive of Muslim
personal law while in the second part, two judges stated that this practice
cannot be protected under Article 25.She said Chief Justice Khehar and Justice
Nazeer stated that only the issue of “talaq-e-biddat needs
re-examination”.“Article 25 is a fundamental right and it cannot be set aside
on ground of judicial morality. International convention and practices of other
countries are of no avail as practice of triple talaq is protected by Article
25,” Zehra said quoting the two judges.HT, AGENCIES
AIMPLB calls for
executive meet to deliberate on triple talaq judgment
Verdict
contradictory, fractured:AIMPLB's women's wing
SC Verdict Our Huge
Victory As It Accords Status of Fundamental Right To Muslim Personal Law:
AIMPLB
Govt rules out need for new law on triple talaq
New Delhi: The govt
virtually ruled out the need for a new law on triple talaq, the practice of
which has been rendered as unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, indicating
that existing laws, including the one dealing with domestic violence, were
sufficient. "The Govt will consider
the issue in a structured manner. A prima facie reading of the judgement makes
it clear that the majority has held it (triple talaq) as unconstitutional and
illegal," Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said. He was responding to a
series of questions by reporters as to whether the Govt would bring out a law against triple talaq as
favoured by two judges, including Chief Justice of India J S Khehar.
"After the SC order, if a husband gives instant triple talaq, it will not
be considered valid. His obligation towards the marriage will remain... the
wife is also free to drag such a person to police and file a complaint of
harassment or domestic violence," the functionary said, indicating penal
provisions are present to check the practice. economictimes
Law panel to study
triple talaq order before writing report on uniform civil code
New Delhi: Law
Commission is set to burn the midnight oil in the coming days to examine the
Supreme Court order on triple talaq as it will provide a guideline to the panel
in drafting its report on the uniform civil code, a senior functionary said on
Tuesday. The law panel will also ascertain whether the verdict striking down
the practice of triple talaq can shed light on what personal law is according
to the constitution bench.It will also seek answers on the issue of religious
faith and religious practice in 400-page order. Once the report is ready in the
coming months, the Govt will place it
before an all-party meeting to decide on the future course of action.The panel,
which advises the Govt on complex legal
issues, will now involve various stakeholders for discussion to complete its
report on the common code. It has already received thousands of written views
on the common code.PTI
Triple talaq
verdict will help BJP implement Uniform Civil Code?indiatoday
New Delhi:BJP has
reasons to cheer over the Supreme Court's landmark judgment today holding
instant triple talaq "void, illegal and unconstitutional". Not just
because the judgment would help the BJP derive electoral mileage but also
because it helps the ruling party move towards fulfilling one of its important
promises - of bringing about a Uniform Civil Code. Uniform Civil Code was
discussed in BJP's manifesto for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Page 41 of the
manifesto said: "Article 44 of the Constitution of India lists Uniform
Civil Code. Striking down instant triple talaq in itself will not help the
implementation of the Uniform Civil Code. However, it would surely help push
BJP to move in that direction. After the triple talaq case, which has been
decided today, two other contentious issues of polygamy and nikah halala are
pending before the Supreme Court.The BJP did not have to take the legislative
route to fulfil its promise. The orders of the courts have certainly helped the
ruling party. In the triple talaq case, the Supreme Court has asked Parliament
to legislate a law against triple talaq.Various courts, through their
judgments, have stressed the precedence of secular laws over personal and
religious codes.The system of different personal laws for different religions
is a colonial legacy. The British implemented criminal and civil laws for all
Indians but did not touch personal laws because religion was a sensitive
issue.However, with BJP and PM Narendra
Modi promising gender justice and equality, and courts deciding on cases
pertaining to them, the country is moving towards having a Uniform Civil Code.
Victory For Muslim Women: Muslim Women, Shia
Law Boards welcome Triple Talaq Verdict
New Delhi: Muslim
Women Personal Law Board and the All India Shia Personal Law Board today
welcomed the Supreme Court judgement on triple talaq, terming it as a victory
of Islam and Muslim women in the country."The Supreme Court decision is
historic, it is the victory of women in the country. But more than that, it is
the victory of Islam," said the president of the All India Muslim Women
Personal Law Board Shaista Amber, who has been fighting for the rights of
Muslim women. "We hope that triple talaq will be banned once and for all
in times to come," she said, adding it causes immense hardships to Muslim women
even though "there is no provision of triple talaq in Islam".Asking
the Govt to enact a new law without
harming the Sharia, she hoped that a new legislation will be brought without
any pressure to ensure welfare and prosperity of Muslim women. All India Shia
Personal Law Board spokesperson Maulana Yasoob Abbas too welcomed the decision,
saying it will help end harassment of Muslim women in the name of triple
talaq.PTI
National Conference
calls Triple talaq verdict an interference in Muslim affairs
Ex-minister from J&K
and National Conference leader, Mustafa
Kamal, said that triple talaq has often been misused against women and SC
verdict is an interference in religious matters of Muslims and the issue should
have been addressed at the societal level, BJP unit in Kashmir has welcomed the
verdict. NC leader, Mustafa Kamal "As far as J&K is concerned the law
can be extended only if it is passed by Assembly or Govt brings an ordinance,
Kamal said. He said that nevertheless the practice has been misused mostly by
Arab Muslims who come to southern states of India and marry and divorce women
at their whims. oneindia
Govt trying to use
judiciary as shield on triple talaq:NCP
NCP claimed the
Supreme Court's verdict on triple talaq is a blow to the "plans" of
the Govt of "using the judiciary as a shield" on the issue.The party
also suggested that the Govt could make
a draft legislation and based on suggestions by parties, a law could be enacted
on the issue."They (govt) did not want to lose a section of their vote
bank by taking a decision over this contentious issue. Thus, they were seeking
an escape route using the judiciary as a shield. But, the SC has dealt a blow
to their plans," NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said." Govt should make
a draft legislation and circulate it among all parties. Based on the
suggestions and objections received, a law can be enacted," Malik said.PTI
‘CPM has always
opposed ‘arbitrary nature’ of triple talaq’
Triple talaq
verdict a milestone for women empowerment: Yogi Adityanath
SC has banned
instant triple talaq, not triple talaq
Premature to make a
complete observation on Supreme Court's verdict on triple talaq: Sanjay Jha,
Congress
From PM Modi to
Muslim personal law Board: Who said what on triple talaq
Triple talaq
verdict updates: Jaitley says SC judgment a great victory and welcome step
OTHERS
Following India's logic
on Doklam, if we enter in Kashmir there would be utter chaos in Leh region:
China
Beijing on Tuesday
said there will be "chaos" in the Leh region if they follow India's
"ridiculous" logic and enter the Indian territory in Kashmir to
disrupt construction projects along the LAC, which China perceives as a
security threat."If we tolerate India's ridiculous logic, then anyone who
dislikes the activity at his neighbour's home can break into his neighbour's
house," foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying was quoted as saying by
HT."Does that mean when China thinks that largescale construction of
infrastructure in the border area is posing a threat, it can enter India's
territory? Wouldn't that be utter chaos?," Chunying added."So the
fact is that the Indian side has illegally trespassed the boundary and violated
the agreement on the boundary that has been recognised and abided by (for) over
130 years. So we urge the Indian side to take concrete actions and make
positive moves to correct its wrongdoing," She said.She repeated China was
committed to maintaining peace in the region. "China loves peace and
firmly upholds peace," Chunying explained while adding they will safeguard
their territorial integrity and sovereignty at all cost."We allow no
country or any individual to infringe upon China's territorial
sovereignty,"she asserted. ibtimes
Doklam stand-off:
China snubs Rajnath's outreach, says there will be 'utter chaos' if their
forces enter India
Chaos if China
follows India's logic and enters Indian territory, says Beijing
India upholds
controversial marriage annulment amid ‘love jihad’ inquiry: The Guargian
The Indian supreme
court has upheld a decision to annul the marriage of a 24-year-old woman in
Kerala and force her to live back at her parents’ house because she married a
Muslim man.The woman, Akhila Ashokan, who prefers to be known as Hadiya,
converted to Islam from Hinduism while studying medicine in Coimbatore in Tamil
Nadu. Last year, she met Shafin Jahan, a Muslim, and they married in December.
Her livid father went to the Kerala high court demanding that Hadiya be
returned to his custody.In May, the court nullified the wedding and forcibly
sent Hadiya back to her parental home in Kottayam despite her express wish not
to return. The controversial judgment said Hadiya was “weak and vulnerable,
capable of being exploited in many ways” and that “her marriage being the most
important decision in her life, can also be taken only with the active
involvement of her parents”.On Wednesday, the supreme court ruled that India’s
NIA, which investigates terrorism, must assess whether Hadiya converted freely
to Islam or was part of a “love jihad” – a phrase used by some Hindu fringe
groups to allege that Muslim men are forcing Hindu women into marriage.
An adult can marry
across caste, colour or religion, no one can stop them: Kerala HC
HC defers verdict
on Zakia Jafri’s plea seeking action against PM Modi, others in Gujarat riots
case till 28 Aug
AHMEDABAD: Gujarat
high court has deferred till Aug.28 its verdict on Zakia Jafri's application
seeking investigation and action against then CM Narendra Modi and others for allegedly
hatching a conspiracy behind the 2002 riots. The court posed stinging questions
to Supreme Court-appointed SIT.Zakia, the widow of former Congress MP Ehsan
Jafri who was killed in Gulbarg Society massacre, challenged the metropolitan
court's order passed in December 2013 upholding a clean chit from the SIT to
Modi and 57 other politicians and bureaucrats. She has been demanding further
investigation as well.On Monday, Justice Sonia Gokani sought various details
from the SIT, with questions about what action was taken with regard to the
application by sacked IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt and Zakia's complaint. The court
asked if the probe conducted on the SC's directions was a further investigation
or a fresh investigation.The judge asked the SIT whether it placed probe papers
before the trial court concerned and informed the SC about it. The judge also
remarked that the order passed by the special court in the Gulbarg Society
massacre case does not mention any such investigation.The court questioned
whether the SIT investigated the allegations of a larger conspiracy, as leveled
by Zakia in her complaint, with regard to other riots cases. The court has
sought answers from SIT by Aug 28, sources said.Interestingly, SIT placed its
probe report on Zakia's complaint before the trial court in a sealed cover
under protest after the trial court directed it to do so. Timesofindia
GST pulls down
India Inc net by 15.7 % to Rs 87,475
crore in first quarter
Mumbai:India Inc
profits dipped by 15.7 % to Rs 87,475
crore in the first quarter of the current fiscal, largely owing to destocking
of goods by companies before execution of GST regime from July 1, said a report
on Monday. According to an analysis of 2,108 companies by credit rating agency
Care Ratings, the corporate net profits stood at about Rs 1.04 lakh crore in
April-June period of 2016-17.Besides, net sales of companies slowed down to 8.7
% in the three months ended June 2017,
after registering a growth of 9.5 % in
the same period year-ago. “During the first quarter of 2017-18, all companies
faced the heat of the uncertainties revolving around the implementation of GST
by the Govt as most companies were
destocking goods before July 1 and operations were impacted quite markedly,”
Care Ratings said.
TADA court to
announce sentence in 1993 Mumbai blasts case on Sept.7
Mumbai:The special
TADA court at Mumbai would announce the quantum of sentence of 5 convicts,
including extradited gangster Abu Salem, in 1993 Mumbai blasts case on Sept.7.
Judge G A Sanap had on June 16 convicted Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Karimullah Khan,
Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan, Riyaz Siddiqui and Tahir Merchant for their role in
hatching the conspiracy for the blasts. Another accused, Abdul Kayuum, was
acquitted. The court had concluded hearing on the quantum of punishment on Aug
10. Judge Sanap on Tuesday said he would pronounce the sentence on September
7.PTI
AIADMK merger:
Dinakaran loyalists withdraw support to Palaniswami as DMK’s Stalin demands
floor test
New Delhi:A day
after the warring factions of AIADMK called truce and merged into one party,
MLAs owing allegiance to jailed party secretary VK Sasikala and her nephew TTV
Dinakaran on Tuesday expressed their unhappiness over the decision and told the
Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao that they no longer have the confidence in CM K Palaniswami. “We are going to initiate
efforts to bring in a new CM with the help of our supporting MLAs,” Dhinakaran
supporter and Andipatti MLA Thanga Tamil Selvan told mediapersons after a
meeting with Governor.Citing ‘unprecedented constitutional crisis’, principal
opposition DMK shot off a letter to the Governor asking him to convene a
special assembly. “In the wake of 22 MLAs withdrawing support for CM, we demand
for a no-confidence motion,” said DMK treasurer MK Stalin. The DMK leader also
took a jibe at PM Modi, saying PM who
delivered an anti-corruption speech on August 15 has helped merge “two corrupt
factions” in Tamil Nadu. He was reacting to allegations that the alliance was
brokered by BJP-led Central Govt . indianexpress
WORLD
Trump rejects US
pull-out from Afghanistan, warns Pak
Ruling out a hasty withdrawal of troops from
Afghanistan, President Donald Trump today issued the sternest warning yet by an
American leader to Pakistan for providing safe havens to terrorists and sought
an enhanced role for India in bringing peace in the war-ravaged country. Trump,
in his first prime-time televised address to war- weary Americans as
commander-in-chief, laid out his South Asia policy saying a "critical
part" of it was to further develop US' strategic partnership with India.
He said after a "comprehensive review", it was decided that the
American strategy in Afghanistan and South Asia will change dramatically and
American troops will "fight to win" America's 16-year conflict. PTI
Trump
administration wants to engage India more effectively in Afghanistan: Mike Pence
Washington:The
Trump administration wants to engage India more effectively in Afghanistan and
hold Pakistan accountable for its actions in the region, US Vice President Mike
Pence said. His comments came hours after President Donald Trump hit out at
Pakistan for providing safe havens to “agents of chaos” that kill Americans in
Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has “much to lose” by harbouring
terrorists. “We want to strengthen the partnership between Afghanistan and
India. We want to hold Pakistan more accountable for their actions in the
region,” Pence said. “What President Trump announced yesterday was a whole new
strategy for South Asia that said, look, we’re going to provide the resources
and the military personnel and the air assets necessary to support the Afghan
army’s efforts to defeat the Taliban,” the Vice-President told Fox News.PTI
World reacts to
Trump's new strategy on Afghan war
Afghanistan to
become graveyard for US troops:Taliban responds to Trump's Afghan strategy: aljazeera
Afghan Taliban has
warned Donald Trump is "wasting" American soldiers' lives after the
US president approved sending thousands more troops to the war-ravaged country.
Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said Afghanistan would become a
"graveyard" for the US on Tuesday after dismissing Trump's strategy
as vague and offering "nothing new"."If America doesn't withdraw
its troops from Afghanistan, soon Afghanistan will become another graveyard for
this superpower in the 21st century," he said.In his first formal address
to the US as commander-in-chief, Trump backtracked from his election pledge to
end the US' longest war that has dragged on for nearly 16 years.Since taking
office in January, Trump said he has realised that withdrawing could create a
vacuum for groups such as al-Qaeda and the ISIL to exploit.Though his speech
was billed as an announcement of his updated Afghanistan policy, Trump offered
few specific details.He did not, for example, provide a number of the
additional troops that would be sent to the war.A senior Taliban commander told
the AFP that Trump was perpetuating the "arrogant behaviour" of
previous US presidents, such as George Bush."He is just wasting American
soldiers.We know how to defend our country. It will not change
anything."For generations, we have fought this war, we are not scared, we
are fresh, and we will continue this war until our last breath."Al
Jazeera's Jennifer Glasse, reporting from the Afghan capital Kabul, said the
Taliban was taking a very hard line to the president's speech." Taliban
has made it clear they're committed to continue fighting the enemy and are in
turn giving the US latitude to do so.
UN to release
blacklist of firms operating in Israeli settlements
New York(PIC) Trump
administration is urging the UN not to publish a blacklist of international
firms that do business in Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land, the
Washington Post reported on Monday.According to the Washington Post, UN Human
Rights Council voted to approve the database of companies last year, despite
objections from the United States and Israel that described the list as a
prelude to anti-Israel boycotts.American companies on the list drawn up by Geneva-based
council include Caterpillar, TripAdvisor, Priceline.com, Airbnb and others,
according to people familiar with it. It is not clear whether the list has been
finalized.Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, the UN high commissioner for human rights, has
told U.S. officials he plans to publish the list by the end of the year and has
asked for comments by Sept. 1 from countries where affected firms are headquartered,
the same source added.Zeid,a Jordanian diplomat who was his country’s
ambassador to the US, had agreed to one postponement this year, partly in
response to a US request. He has indicated he plans to move ahead now, arguing
that the list is a resource for consumers and travelers.In a statement Monday,
Israel’s U.N. ambassador, Danny Danon, called the council’s moves toward
publication of the list “an expression of modern anti-Semitism.”In June, Zeid
told the council that the Israeli occupation that began in 1967 violates
international law and “has denied the Palestinians many of their most
fundamental freedoms, and has often been brutal.”
US-led attacks 'kill 100 civilians' in 48
hours in Raqqa
At least 100
civilians have been killed over the past 48 hours by US-led air attacks
targeting fighters in Raqqa, the de-facto capital of ISIL in Syria.Residents
told Al Jazeera on Tuesday that at least 100 civilians had been killed since
Sunday, with 55 civilians killed in the eastern neighbourhoods of Bedou and
al-Sukhani on Monday.UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put Monday's death toll at 42, including 19
children and 12 women, and said 27 were killed on Sunday - a 2-day total of 69
people.The deaths came on the second consecutive day of a ferocious bombing
campaign in Raqqa, more than half of which has been captured by US-backed SDF
battling ISIL." Tolls are high because the air strikes are hitting
neighbourhoods in the city centre that are densely packed with civilians,"
SOHR director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP."There are buildings full of
civilians that are trying to get away from the front lines. US-led coalition,
which operates in both Syria and neighbouring Iraq, says it takes all possible
measures to avoid civilian casualties.UN estimates there are up to 25,000
civilians trapped inside the city, with food and fuel supplies short and
prohibitively expensive. UN's humanitarian point man for Syria, Jan Egeland,
has said ISIL-held territory in Raqqa city is now "the worst place"
in the war-torn country. aljazeera
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